Jan. 31, 2014
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Complete Results — Iowa at Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team posted a season-best on Friday night at Huff Hall in Champaign, Ill., falling at No. 17 Illinois, 196.475-195.050.
Iowa posted season highs on vault (48.725) and beam (48.675). The GymHawks’ previous team best score came at No. 6 Georgia on Jan. 20 (194.675).
“We’ve overcome a lot and continue to grow,” said freshman Ashleigh Edlin. “We are capable of competing among the best.”
The Hawkeyes started the meet on bars. Freshman Angel Metcalf paced Iowa with a 9.825, while junior Sydney Hoerr posted a 9.800.
Iowa registered a team score of 48.725 on the vault. The Hawkeyes were led by freshman Jordyn Doherty, who notched a season-best 9.800. Edlin and sophomore Alie Glover recorded scores of 9.775.
The Hawkeyes trailed the Illini following the second rotation, 98.275-97.450.
Once on floor, Iowa continued to post impressive scores with freshman Mollie Drenth leading the way with a season-best 9.850, closely followed by Glover (9.800) and sophomore Maryah Huntley (9.800).
“I know I still have a ways to go,” said Drenth. “But I’m proud of myself and what I did to provide for the team.”
With their best team score of the night (48.925), the GymHawks headed into the final rotation ready to take on the beam.
On beam, Glover tallied her season best, posting a 9.825 and the Hawkeyes put up a team score of 48.675 to finish the meet. Metcalf posted a 9.800.
Glover was the only GymHawk to compete for the all-around title, ending with a season-best of 39.125. She finished second behind Amber See of Illinois (39.325).
“It doesn’t matter what happens before I go,” Glover said. “I just try to keep the same mentality for every routine I do.”
Assistant coach Jacob Lee said that after tonight’s competition the team established their base.
“We have to focus on the details, the biggest one being stuck landings,” said Lee. “With more emphasis in this area, the 195.5 and the W are attainable.”
Iowa will return to action on Feb. 7 when they travel to East Lansing, Mich. to take on another Big Ten opponent in Michigan State. The meet is set to begin at 6 p.m. (CT) inside Jenison Field House.